What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is an expression of violence in which one person exerts power and control over another. A victim is NEVER responsible for a sexual assault even if intoxicated. It’s also important to know that if the perpetrator is intoxicated, the perpetrator is still responsible for their behavior, the sexual assault or act. GIVING IN IS NOT CONSENT!

For more information on Sexual Consent, watch this YouTube video which compares sexual consent to etiquette around drinking tea with another person.

SEXUAL ASSAULT is any form of sexual penetration, oral, anal, or vaginal, where the victim does not--or is unable to--give knowing consent. Sexual assault is also called RAPE. ACQUAINTANCE RAPE is sexual assault when the victim knows the attacker. DATE RAPE is sexual assault when the victim is attacked by an assailant while on a date.

To constitute consent, a person must freely give an agreement to the sexual conduct in question.

To constitute lack of consent, the acts must be committed whether (1) by the use of force, threat of force, or intimidation, or (2) through use of victim's inability to give informed consent due to the use of alcohol and/or sedative drugs including GHB, Rohypnol, Ketamine, or other "date rape" drugs. A person who is asleep, unconscious, mentally incapacitated or physically helpless due to drug or alcohol consumption is considered unable to consent. If intercourse takes place without consent, it is considered sexual assault.

Counselors are confidential supports who can listen and process your trauma, and/or give resources, referrals and options. Counselors will not pressure you and will meet you where you are at offering support, encouragement and empowerment.